Photo by Joe LananeCafe Ruckus opened Jan. 13 at 409 W. Second St. Less than one block from Austin City Hall, the cafe offers a variety of food and drink options.
Owner Keith Ruckus based his new business on his experience performing at various coffee shops and cafes across the country. The coffee shop, located in the heat of the Second Street District, has a menu that includes coffee, lattes, cappuccino, espresso and tea as well as locally made pastries, ice cream and other hand-crafted items. 512-476-7825. www.caferuckus.com
Other Impacts:
CLOSINGS—Bar Louie, 123 W. Sixth St. on the ground floor of the McGarrah-Jessee Building, closed in early January. In its place, the ELM Restaurant Group, the ownership group behind 24 Diner, Easy Tiger Bake Shop & Beer Garden and Arro, announced plans Jan. 8 to open an unnamed Italian restaurant led by Executive Chef Andrew Curren, who appeared on Top Chef season nine. The eatery is scheduled to open this summer. www.elmrg.com
NOW OPEN—Remodeling is now complete at The Hightower, 1209 E. Seventh St., a new restaurant from co-owners Chad Dolezal and Vic Farnsworth that opened Jan. 20. The duo created a menu of new American food that is intended to be casual and affordable. The neighborhood-style eatery also has a full bar and large outdoor seating area. 512-524-1448.
www.thehightoweraustin.com
